Earlier this month, 42 players and staff from Richmond Rugby travelled to the other side of the world to represent the iconic Richmond colours in Japan for the very first time in the club’s rich touring history.

Richmond has long been synonymous with playing rugby overseas, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most well-travelled clubs since the 1960s. From New Zealand to Canada, South Africa to Argentina, and Fiji to France, the club has left its mark across continents. This year, Japan became the latest destination.

Over two action-packed weeks, players from the Performance and Open squads faced four competitive Japanese sides and immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Tokyo. Off the pitch, they explored iconic landmarks, trained with local clubs, and forged lasting memories with both old and new rugby friends.
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Rugby Results and Highlights
The tour began in Kyoto with a joint training session alongside Kyoto University, who hosted us at their sports dormitory. On 10th May, the Open Squad took on Doshisha University in the Seiji Hirao Memorial Game, putting in a spirited effort but falling 42-19. The Performance Squad then followed with a strong display against Maruwa Logistar’z Kyoto, winning 38-28. Miles Wakeling marked his birthday with a Player of the Match performance.

The final set of games took place on 17th May in Tokyo. The Performance Squad recorded an impressive 34-10 win over a combined All Mitsubishi team, while the Open Squad came up short 31-12 in a tough battle against Mitsubishi Steel, having been even at half time.

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Off-Field Adventures
Beyond the rugby, the squad threw themselves into all things Japan. In Kyoto, they explored the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Heian Jingu Shrine, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.

Then came the bullet train whisking them to Mount Fuji, where the team stayed in accommodation overlooking the stunning Lake Kawaguchi. From there, they took a coach up to Base Camp 5 for incredible mountain views, and some players even took a horse ride through the scenery. They visited the Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine and climbed 292 steps to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint for a team photo with Fuji standing proud in the background.

In Sagamihara, en route to Tokyo, the squad trained at the Mitsubishi Dynaboars’ ground and toured the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries factory, learning about their engine production and world-leading turbocharger technology. That evening, they were hosted for dinner by four Mitsubishi rugby representatives, including the head coach and director of rugby.

The cultural immersion continued: the players enjoyed traditional Japanese food (sashimi, pork stew, battered prawns), visited the Shibuya Crossing, watched live sumo wrestling, and took part in a sake tasting. One free day gave them the chance to sightsee or shop at their own pace, while another included a brilliant dinner at Andy’s Shin Hinomoto – a famous rugby restaurant previously visited by the Wallabies, Ireland, and England. Richmond’s shirt now hangs proudly on the wall.

Evenings saw the team explore Tokyo nightlife, from drinks with the London Japanese Old Boys to batting ranges, rooftop views at C’est La Vie bar, and a trip to the famous Golden Gai, home to 42 tiny, atmospheric bars tucked into the backstreets of Shinjuku.
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A Tour to Remember

Reflecting on the experience, tour committee member Paddy Case summed it up best:
“Our 11 days in Japan were unforgettable. We were looked after unbelievably well by the Japanese people, who ensured that we saw all that is great and good in Kyoto, Fuji and Tokyo… From traditional Onsens, Sumo and kimonos, to perhaps the less traditional but still very Japanese Zaza Bar, all-you-can-drink pubs and the Shinjuku Golden Gai district, I’d say we had a pretty comprehensive experience.”

From tough matches and team wins to cultural deep-dives and unexpected adventures, Richmond’s first-ever tour to Japan was a resounding success. The squad returns home with memories that will last a lifetime and form a special part of their time at Richmond Rugby. Richmond’s first tour to Japan is unlikely to be its last.

For more information, view the official digital programme here